Arguably the most famous emcee to emerge from Sacramento (X-Raided and Brotha Lynch Hung notwithstanding), C-Bo has been dropping ultra-hardcore, uncompromising gangsta rap since the early '90s. (His much-loved debut, Gas Chamber, came out way back in 1993.) Since then, he's released dozens of projects, including solo albums and collaboration joints (with San Quinn, Thug Lordz, and Killa Tay, among others), plus a pile of compilations showcasing his many associates and protegés. On Cali Connection, he sounds rejuvenated and hungry again, spitting crime-related street stories on 14 tracks dedicated to murder, mayhem, revenge, and hustling. Cashville homie Young Buck appears on three songs, most notably the midtempo banger "Calling My Name," while Tupac's old crew The Outlawz join the fray on the funk-laden "Can't Break Me." The beats are strong throughout, and C-Bo's extra-thuggish rhyme style still sounds great nearly 20 years after his debut. Other standouts include "Dope Man" and "Heavy Weight."